Combinable container

ABSTRACT

A container comprising a side wall, an upper edge and a base defining a first interior at least one opening in the side wall for receiving at least one additional container therein, the opening configured for seating the at least one additional container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/481,831, filed Jun. 10, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/139,838, filed Dec. 22, 2008, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present application also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Application No. 61/497,204, filed Jun. 15, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container generally, and more particularly to a container that can be combined with another container so that, for example, a plurality of containers can be handled with one hand.

BACKGROUND

It is sometimes challenging to eat away from the table. At the boardwalk, for example, people typically eat while they walk, holding their food in one hand and eating with the other hand. In one example, a person eating French fries in a cup will hold the cup in one hand and eat with the other.

French fries vended on the boardwalk (so-called “boardwalk fries”) are usually placed into a food container that resembles an oversized cup. Along with the fries or other food product, the purchaser usually elects to have some type of condiment as well, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, etc. The condiment is usually placed into a smaller container and is accessed for dipping the food product. At this point the purchaser has to carry two containers, the food container and the condiment container, which means that the purchaser has no free hand with which to eat.

SUMMARY

A container to which can be removably attached to another container so that both containers can be carried by one hand. More specifically, in one embodiment, a first container has a patterned perforation to allow two flaps and an opening to be created in the side wall of the first container. A second container is attached to the first container by inserting the second container into a flap and the opening of the first container, which secures the second container to the first container. In other embodiments, a plurality of containers may be removably attached to the first container, which plurality of containers may be vertically and/or circumferentially spaced from each other. Various embodiments of opening and flap configurations are also discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of one embodiment of a container of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the container of FIG. 1A with a flap extending away from a side wall thereof.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a container of the invention.

FIGS. 3A through 3E illustrate one embodiment of a method of attaching a second container to a first container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a container of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a container of the invention.

FIGS. 6A through 49B illustrate various alternative embodiments of a container of the invention.

FIG. 50 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a combination of containers.

FIG. 51 is an assembled view of the containers of FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a cross-section taken through line 52-52 of FIG. 50.

FIGS. 53-58 are alternative cross-sectional embodiments.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a container of the invention.

FIG. 60 is a front view thereof.

FIG. 61 is a side view thereof.

FIG. 62 is a rear view thereof.

FIG. 63 is a top view thereof.

FIG. 64 is a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 65 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a combination of containers.

FIG. 66 is an assembled view of the containers of FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 is a cross-section taken through line 67-67 of FIG. 65.

FIG. 68 is an alternative embodiment of a combination of containers of the invention.

FIG. 69 is an alternative embodiment of a combination of containers of the invention.

FIG. 70A is a front view of one embodiment of a container of the present invention.

FIG. 70B is a front view of the container of FIG. 70A with a flap extending away from a side wall thereof.

FIG. 71 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a container and divider of the present invention.

FIG. 72 is an assembled view of the container and divider of FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 is a vertical cross-section taken through the divider and container of FIG. 72.

FIG. 74 is one embodiment of a cross-section of a container and divider of the present invention.

FIG. 75 is one embodiment of a container and divider of the present invention.

FIG. 76A is a front view of one embodiment of a container of the present invention.

FIG. 76B is a front view of the container of FIG. 76A with a flap extending away from a side wall thereof.

FIG. 76C illustrates one embodiment of a second container attached to a first container.

FIG. 76D illustrates one embodiment of a second container attached to a first container.

FIG. 77A is a front view of one embodiment of a container of the present invention.

FIG. 77B is a front view of the container of FIG. 77A with a flap extending away from a side wall thereof.

FIG. 77C illustrates one embodiment of a second container attached to a first container.

FIG. 77D illustrates one embodiment of a second container attached to a first container.

FIG. 77E illustrates one embodiment of a second container attached to a first container.

FIG. 78 illustrates various condiment containers attachable to various embodiments of a first container of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment of a container 100 comprising a side wall 110, an interior 120 and a base 130, the side wall having a top edge 112 and a bottom edge 114. While FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a container in the form of a drinking cup, it will be appreciated that other containers having different shapes, geometries and other structural configurations will be contemplated. For ease of explanation, however, each container embodiment described herein will be illustrated as a cup-type container having and open top and a solid base. The side wall 110 is at least partially separable, and preferably by a perforation 140, to form at least a first flap 150 movable relative to the side wall 110 by a hinge 160. The first flap 150 is moveable from a first position 152 flush with the side wall 110 (FIG. 1A), to a second position 154 extending away from the side wall 110 (one embodiment shown FIG. 1B), along hinge 160 that is spaced from the bottom edge 114, which hinge 160 is either manufactured into the side wall 110 as a bend or crease line, or which is preferably created upon the initial bending of the first flap 150 from the first position 152 to the second position 154. The first flap 150 is either movable outwardly and away from the side wall 110 of the container 100 as shown in FIG. 1B, or inwardly toward the interior 120 of the container (not shown). However, as will be described below, it is preferred that the first flap 150 is moved outwardly away from the side wall 110, not only to function as an additional support for an additional container (see FIGS. 3A through 3E) inserted through the opening 180, but also because it may be difficult to extend the first flap 150 into the interior 120 of the container 100 if the interior 120 if filled with food (not shown) or the like.

A second flap 170, which is more easily seen when the first flap 150 is extended away from the side wall 110 (FIG. 1B), extends in the direction of the base 130 and preferably comprises a first side edge 172, a second side edge 174, a lowermost point 176 that collectively define around a central portion 178. As will be described in more detail below, a pushing force applied to the central portion 178, while the first flap 150 is in the first position 152, separates the perforation 140 and allows a user to substantially separate the first flap 150 from the side wall 110 and move the first flap 150 from the first position 152 to the second position 154 along the hinge 160. A first opening 180 is defined in the side wall 110 when the first flap 150 is in the second position 154, the first opening 180 having a first portion 182 extending upwardly from the hinge 160 along the first side edge 172 to a first terminus 184 above the lowermost point 176 of the second flap 170, a second portion 186 extending upwardly along the second side edge 174 to a second terminus 188 above the lowermost point 176 of the second flap 170, and a lower edge bounded by the side wall 110 defining the hinge 160.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the hinge 160 is adjacent to and substantially coplanar with base 130. The base 130 provides additional structural support for the container 100 and sidewall 110 to bear a load that will be inserted into the first opening 180 as will be illustrated below. In addition, the first flap 150 is substantially V-shaped, such that the first and second portions 182, 186 of the opening 180 extend outwardly at an angle from the vertical. However, it will be appreciated that other flap configurations are possible including, but not limited to, a U-shaped flap 250 shown on a container 200 of FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the container 200 has a side wall 210, an interior 220 and a base 230, the side wall having a top edge 212 and a bottom edge 214. A first opening 280 is defined in a side wall 210 when the first flap 250 is in a second position 254, the first opening 280 having first and second portions 282, 286 that extend upwardly from a hinge 260 in a substantially parallel alignment. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the hinge 260 is defined along the bottom edge 214 of the side wall 210 and of the container 200 instead of being spaced therefrom as shown in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate a method for removably combining a second container 300 with a first container 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3A illustrates the first container 100 with the first flap 150 in the first position 152 flush against the side wall 110, and a second container 300. A pushing force applied to the central portion 178 of the second flap 170 separates the perforation 140 and allows a user to substantially separate the first flap 150 from the side wall 110 and move the first flap 150 from the first position 152 to the second position 154 away from the side wall 110 along the hinge 160 as shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 3C shows the initial attachment of the second container 300 to the first container 100, wherein the second container 300 is inserted into the opening 180 of the side wall 110 by placing the second container 300 at an angle to the first container 100 so that the upper edge 312 of the second container 300 first extends below and then behind the second flap 170, while the bottom edge 314 of the second container 300 contacts the first flap 150 of the first container 100. Thereafter, the second container 300 is rotated toward the first container 100 while the bottom edge 314 of the second container 300 is advanced toward the first container 100 along the first flap 150 until the second container 300 is secured within the opening 180 of the first container 100 with the second flap 170 extending into the second container 300 as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E. FIG. 3D also illustrates the placement of a vendor logo 105 or the like on the side wall 110 of the first container 100, it being understood that other placement locations are contemplated.

The second container 300 is retained within the first container 100 through the engagement of the side wall 310 of the second container 300 with the first and second portions 182, 186 (FIG. 1B) of the opening 180, as well as the engagement of the bottom surface 316 (FIG. 3E) of the second container 300 with the hinge 160 of the first container 100 and the outwardly extending first flap 150. The second container 300 extends into the interior 120 of the first container 100 and is further supported by the base 130 of the first container 100, which base 130 is coplanar with the hinge 160 and the first flap 150 as shown so as to create a support platform for the bottom surface 316 of the second container 300. The second flap 170 assists in preventing the second container 300 from being laterally withdrawn through the opening 180 as the second flap 170 extends into the interior of the second container 300 and acts as a stop against the side wall 310 of the second container 300. FIG. 3E illustrates one embodiment of the base 130 spaced from the bottom edge 114 of the container by a distance 113, which distance 113 is typically provided to create a thermal barrier between the base 130 and the bottom edge 114 and surface (not shown) upon which the bottom edge 114 rests.

While the illustrated embodiments show a first container 100 comprising a perforation 140 having a certain shape and configuration, and an opening 180 having a certain shape and configuration that is adapted to receive and retain a second container 300 of a particular shape and configuration, it will be appreciated that other perforation and opening configurations are contemplated. For example, if it is desired to attach a second container having a substantially planar configuration, such as a plate for example, then a perforation could be designed to expose a narrower opening that might better accommodate the insertion and retention of a planar object. Various perforation, flap and opening combinations are contemplated.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a first container 400 having a side wall 410, an upper edge 412, a lower edge 414, an interior 420, a base 430, a first flap 450 and hinge 460, a second flap 470, and a second container 490 disposed within an opening 480 in the first container 400. Since the second container 490 is spaced from the lower edge 414 and the base 430, the second container 490 is retained against the hinge 460 and the second flap 470 and is further supported by the first flap 450. The hinge 460, which is simply a bend in the side wall 410 of the first container 400, supports a considerable portion of the weight load of the second container 490, while the second flap 470 prevents unwanted rotational movement of the second container 490 relative to the first container 400. While the first flap 450 is shown extended outwardly relative to the side wall 410, and since the hinge 460 supports a considerable portion of the weight of the second container 490, the first flap 450 could be extended into the interior 420 of the first container to expose the opening 480 without meaningfully sacrificing the support of the second container 490. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the second container 490 is closer to the upper edge 412 of the first container 400, which shortens the dipping distance of a food product (not shown) stored in the interior 420 of the first container 400.

In an alternative embodiment of FIG. 5, a first container 500 has a side wall 510, an interior 520, a base 530, a first opening 580 to accommodate a second container 590 and a second opening 582 vertically and angularly spaced from the first opening 580 to accommodate a third container 592. The second container 590 is partially supported by the base 530, while the third container 592 is supported by the hinge 594 and downwardly extending flap 596. While FIG. 5 illustrates that the second opening 582 is vertically spaced from first opening 580, it will be appreciated that other openings may have different structural configurations and locations in the side wall 510. For example, the second opening may be spaced from the first opening along a perimeter of the side wall 510 and the second opening may be larger or smaller than the first opening as the case may be.

FIGS. 6A through 6F illustrate various embodiments of combinations of containers. It will be appreciated, for example, that while such figures illustrate the attachment of multiple subsidiary containers to a first or main container, the first container may be perforated with a variety of flap configurations and positions not shown herein to address a variety of container structures and configurations as the case may be. The various configurations illustrated are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting in any respect, but are intended merely to show examples of various container schemes. In addition, the subsidiary containers are attached to the first or main container using the method described above, so such method will not be described below.

FIG. 6A illustrates one embodiment of a first container 600 a having two additional containers 602 a and 604 a attached thereto and positioned approximately 90 degrees apart, it being understood that any angular separation is possible. While FIG. 6A illustrates a 90 degree separation of containers 602 a and 604 a, it will be appreciated that container 604 a may be positioned up to 180 degrees in either direction from container 602 a. FIG. 6B illustrates one embodiment of a first container 600 b having three additional containers 602 b, 604 b and 604 b positioned approximately 90 degrees apart. Of course, the additional containers 602 b, 604 b, 606 b, could also be positioned symmetrically (i.e. 120 degrees apart) if desired. FIG. 6C illustrates one embodiment of a first container 600 c having four additional containers 602 c, 604 c, 606 c and 608 c positioned approximately 90 degrees apart. FIG. 6D illustrates one embodiment of a first container 600 d having two additional containers 602 d, 604 d of different sizes, while FIG. 6E illustrates one embodiment of a first container 600 e having three additional containers 602 e, 604 e, 606 e, each having a different size. FIG. 6F illustrates one embodiment of a first container 600 f having two additional containers 602 f, 604 f attached thereto and vertically aligned with and spaced from each other.

FIGS. 7 through 49B illustrate alternate embodiments of aspects of the present invention. Certain figures show a single embodiment without any moving parts (see FIG. 7 for example). Other figures show flaps that are movable between a first position shown in the “A” figures (i.e. FIG. 9A, FIG. 12A, etc.) to a second position shown in the “B” figures (i.e. FIG. 9B, FIG. 12B, etc.), with the flaps being movable along hinges shown by dotted lines. The hinges are either pre-formed from perforations, bend lines, crease lines or are otherwise contemporaneously created upon movement of the respective flaps. The flaps are movable to expose openings in the container shown by cross-hatching, with the insides of the flaps shown for purposes of illustration using stippling. As discussed above, certain downwardly extending flaps are provided to support either the interior or exterior of another container inserted within an opening in the sidewall or exposed by other hinged flaps. For purposes of convenience, not all aspects of each figure will be numbered even though the totality of each figure constitutes the disclosure provided herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a container 700 having a side wall 710 with a first opening 720 that is substantially rectangular shaped with parallel walls. The embodiment of FIG. 7 does not include a flap as illustrated in some embodiments described herein, but simply provides an opening for insertion of another container or the like. FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a container 1100 that is similar to the container 700 of FIG. 7, but with a trapezoidal opening 1120 in side wall 1110.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a container 800 having a side wall 810 with a first opening 820 that is “U-shaped” and a downwardly extending elongated flap 830.

FIG. 9A illustrates one embodiment of a container 900 having a side wall 910 with a substantially rectangular, upwardly extending first flap 940, a hinge 960, and a downwardly extending second flap 930, wherein the first flap 940 is movable between a first position flush with the side wall 910, to a second position extended away from the side wall 910 as shown for example in FIG. 9B. The second flap 930 may function to retain an additional container (not shown) inserted into the opening 950.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a container 1000 having a v-shaped flap 1030 and an opening 1050. FIG. 12A illustrates one embodiment of a similar container 1200 having a first flap 1230, a hinge 1260 and a second flap 1240 that is movable from a first position substantially flush with the side wall 1210 as shown in FIG. 12A, to a second position extending away from the side wall 1210 as shown in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13A illustrates one embodiment of a container 1300 having a first hinge 1310 associated with a first flap 1315, a second hinge 1320 associated with a second flap 1325, and a substantially triangular third flap 1330. The hinges 1310 and 1320 are substantially parallel to each other and the flaps 1315, 1325 are movable from a first position as shown in FIG. 13A to a second position as shown in FIG. 13B for example. FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrates one embodiment of a container 1400 similar to the container 1300, but with one additional flap 1440 in addition to flaps 1415, 1425 and 1430 that expose an opening 1450.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show one embodiment of a container 1500 having a hinge 1540 and a substantially rectangular flap 1520 that is movable from a first position flush with the side wall 1510 as shown in FIG. 15A to a second position extending away from the side wall 1510 as shown in FIG. 15B. FIGS. 16A and 16B show one embodiment of a container 1600 similar to the container 1500, but with the hinge on the opposite side of the flap. FIGS. 17A and 17B, and FIGS. 18A and 18B show embodiments of containers 1700 and 1800 respectively that are similar to the container 1500, with the difference being that the openings exposed in the side wall in the latter configurations form a trapezoid instead of a rectangle.

FIGS. 19A and 19B through FIGS. 30A through 30B illustrates various container embodiments 1900 through 3000 respectively having one or more flaps movable on hinges positioned along various locations on the side walls of such containers to expose openings of various configurations. In such embodiments, at least one of the flaps and/or openings are generally pointed or triangular in configuration, with the flaps being movable to expose openings generally defined by four (see FIGS. 27B and 28B for example) or five sides (see FIGS. 21B and 22B for example). Other flap and/or opening configurations are contemplated.

More specifically, the container embodiments 1900 and 2000 of FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B are similar to the container embodiments 1700 and 1800 of FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B, respectively, with the embodiments 1900 and 2000 of FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B illustrating an additional movable triangular flap extending away from the side wall along a hinge that is spaced from the bottom edge of the container. The container embodiments 2100 and 2200 of FIGS. 21A, 21B, 22A, and 22B are similar to the container embodiments 1900 and 2000 of FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B, respectively, with the container embodiments 2100 and 2200 of FIGS. 21A, 21B, 22A, and 22B illustrating an additional triangular-shaped flap, formed along the uppermost portion of the opening. The container embodiments 2300 and 2400 of FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A, and 24B are similar to the container embodiments 2100 and 2200 of FIGS. 21A, 21B, 22A, and 22B, respectively, with the container embodiments 2300 and 2400 of FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A, and 24B illustrating the exclusion of the additional movable triangular flap that is spaced from the bottom edge of the container. The container embodiments 2500 and 2600 of FIGS. 25A, 25B, 26A, and 26B are similar to the container embodiments 2300 and 2400 of FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A, and 24B, respectively, with the container embodiments 2500 and 2600 of FIGS. 25A, 25B, 26A, and 26B illustrating an edge that is opposite to and substantially parallel to the hinge. The container embodiments 2700 and 2800 of FIGS. 27A, 27B, 28A, and 28B are similar to the container embodiments 1900 and 2000 of FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B, respectively, with the container embodiments 2700 and 2800 of FIGS. 27A, 27B, 28A, and 28B illustrating an edge that is opposite to and substantially parallel to the hinge. The container embodiments 2900 and 3000 of FIGS. 29A, 29B, 30A, and 30B are similar to the container embodiments 2100 and 2200 of FIGS. 21A, 21B, 22A, and 22B, respectively, with the container embodiments 2900 and 3000 of FIGS. 29A, 29B, 30A, and 30B illustrating an edge that is opposite to and substantially parallel to the hinge.

The container embodiments of FIGS. 32A and 32B through FIGS. 36A through 36B illustrates various container embodiments 3200 through 3600 respectively having one or more flaps movable on hinges positioned along various locations on the side walls of such containers to expose openings of various configurations. In such embodiments, at least one of the flaps and/or openings are generally rounded in configuration, with the flaps being movable to expose openings generally defined by four sides having planar edges (see FIG. 34B for example) or having a combination of planar and rounded edges (see FIGS. 32B and 33B for example). Other flap and/or opening configurations are contemplated.

More specifically, the container embodiment 3200 of FIGS. 32A and 32B is similar to the container embodiment 3100 of FIG. 31, with the embodiment 3200 of FIGS. 32A and 32B illustrating a hinge that is spaced from the bottom edge of the container and a substantially semi-circular flap attached to the hinge. The container embodiment 3300 of FIGS. 33A and 33B is similar to the container embodiment 3100 of FIG. 31, with the container embodiment 3300 of FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrating a hinge that is spaced from the bottom edge of the container and a flap attached to the hinge, the flap formed by the opening of the container. The container embodiment 3400 of FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate a container 3400 having two hinges that are substantially parallel to each other, both hinges are perpendicular to the base of the container, two moveable flaps, each flap attached to a hinge and each flap substantially semi-circular shaped, and a substantially rectangular-shaped opening. The container embodiment 3500 of FIGS. 35A and 35B is similar to the container embodiment 3200 of FIGS. 32A and 32B, respectively, with the embodiment 3500 of FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrating left and right edges of the opening that are not parallel to each other. The container embodiment 3600 of FIGS. 36A and 36B is similar to the embodiment 3300 of FIGS. 33A and 33B, respectively, with the embodiment 3600 of FIGS. 36A and 36B illustrating left and right edges of the opening are not parallel to each other.

The container embodiments 3700 through 4100 of FIGS. 37A and 37B through 41 are similar to the container embodiment 900 of FIGS. 9A and 9B, with the container embodiment 3700 of FIGS. 37A and 37B illustrating a longer hinge and a longer and narrower moveable flap, the container embodiment 3800 of FIGS. 38A and 38B further illustrating two flaps, substantially parallel to each other, both flaps extending in the direction of the base, and the container embodiment 3900 of FIGS. 39A and 39B further illustrating left and right edges of the opening are not parallel to each other. The container embodiments 4000 and 4100 of FIGS. 40 and 41 are similar to the container embodiment 3900 of FIGS. 39A and 39B, respectively, with the container embodiment 4000 and 4100 of FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrating the absence of a hinge and a movable flap that is spaced from the bottom edge of the container.

The container embodiments 4200 through 4900 of FIGS. 42A and 42B through FIGS. 49A and 49B illustrate various flap, hinge and opening configurations of various sizes, shapes and orientations, some flaps being planar, rounded or combinations of planar and rounded. Other shapes and configurations other than that shown in the drawings herein are contemplated, it being understood that the various alternative embodiments described herein are by no means meant to be interpreted in a limiting sense.

FIGS. 50-52 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a combination of first and second containers 5000 and 5100, where the second container 5100 is provided with a slot 5110 having a curvature for placement on the side wall 5010 of the first container 5000 as shown in FIG. 51. The slot 5110 divides the second container 5100 into two chambers 5120 and 5130. FIG. 52 shows a cross-section of the container 5100 taken along line 52-52 of FIG. 50, showing, for example, chamber 5120 containing one type of condiment, perhaps ketchup or mustard, and chamber 5130 containing a second type of condiment, perhaps salt or pepper. The chambers 5120 and 5130 in FIG. 52 are shown to be roughly similar in size where, for example, the floors of each container are coplanar. Of course, other configuration are contemplated, such as shown in the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 53 and 54, where the two chambers are not the same size, or as shown in the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 55-58, where the two chambers have different depths. FIGS. 59-64 show a perspective, front, side, rear, top, and bottom views respectively of the container 5100 of FIGS. 50-52.

FIGS. 65-67 illustrate yet another alternative embodiment of a combination of first and second containers 6500 and 6600, where the second container 6600 is provided with a slot 6610 for placement on the side wall 6510 of the first container 6500 as shown in FIG. 66. FIG. 67 shows a cross-section of the container 6600 taken along line 67-67 of FIG. 65, showing, for example, chamber 6620 containing a condiment of some kind, and a side wall 6630 used for supporting the second container 6600 on the first container 6500. In the embodiment of FIG. 66, the side wall 6630 is on the outside of the first container 6500 and the chamber 6620 is on the inside of the first container 6500, while in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 68, the side wall 6830 of the second container 6800 is on the inside of the first container 6700 and the chamber 6820 of the second container 6800 is on the outside of the first container 6700.

FIG. 69 illustrates yet another embodiment of a combination of first and second containers 6900 and 7000, where the second container 7000 is provided with a chamber 7020 and an elongated anchor wall 7010 that supports the second container 7000 on the first container 6900. The floor 7030 of the second container 7000 is substantially co-planar with the floor 6930 of the first container 6900. This effectively lowers the center of gravity of the combination of containers 6900 and 7000, making the combination of containers less top-heavy and therefore less likely to topple over.

FIGS. 70A and 70B illustrate yet another embodiment of a container 7100 comprising a side wall 7110, an interior 7120 and a base 7130, the side wall having a top edge 7112 and a bottom edge 7114. The side wall 7110 is at least partially separable, and preferably by a perforation 7140, to form at least a first flap 7150 movable relative to the side wall 7110 by a hinge 7160. The first flap 7150 is moveable from a first position 7152 flush with the side wall 7110 (FIG. 70A), to a second position 7154 extending away from the side wall 7110 (one embodiment shown FIG. 70B), along hinge 7160 that is spaced from the top edge 7112, which hinge 7160 is either manufactured into the side wall 7110 as a bend or crease line, or which is preferably created upon the initial bending of the first flap 7150 from the first position 7152 to the second position 7154. The first flap 7150 is either movable outwardly and away from the side wall 7110 of the container 7100 as shown in FIG. 70B, or inwardly toward the interior 7120 of the container (not shown). However, as will be described below, it is preferred that the first flap 7150 is moved outwardly away from the side wall 7110, not only to function as an additional support for an additional container as described herein inserted through the opening 7180, but also because it may be difficult to extend the first flap 7150 into the interior 7120 of the container 7100 if the interior 7120 if filled with food (not shown) or the like.

A second flap 7170, which is more easily seen when the first flap 7150 is extended away from the side wall 7110 (FIG. 70B), extends in the direction of the base 7130 and preferably comprises a pair of first side edges 7172, a pair of second side edges 7174, a lowermost point 7176 that collectively define around a central portion 7178. As will be described in more detail below, a pushing force applied to the central portion 7178, while the first flap 7150 is in the first position 7152, separates the perforation 7140 and allows a user to substantially separate the first flap 7150 from the side wall 7110 and move the first flap 7150 from the first position 7152 to the second position 7154 along the hinge 7160. A first opening 7180 is defined in the side wall 7110 when the first flap 7150 is in the second position 7154, the first opening 7180 having a pair of first portions 7182 extending upwardly from the hinge 7160 to a first terminus 7184 above the lowermost point 7176 of the second flap 7170, a pair of second portions 7186 extending upwardly to a second terminus 7188 above the lowermost point 7176 of the second flap 7170, and a third portion 7189 extending between the hinge 7160 and the lowermost point 7176. Each of these portions defines a holding region for holding a second container of various dimensions, geometries, depths, circumferences, and so on. For example, first portions 7182 could accommodate a larger container, while second portions 7186 could accommodate a smaller container, and third portion 7189 could accommodate an even smaller container. A portion 7183 adjacent the perforation 7140 near the first terminus 7183 is preferably tearable in order to access the full extent of the first portion 7182, otherwise the perforation extends up to a plane defined alone second terminus 7188 as shown in FIG. 70B. Alternatively, the perforation 7140 could extend up to the first terminus 7184. The variable contour of the first opening 7180 provides a user with flexibility and the ability to accommodate a variety of containers of different shapes and sizes in a single opening 7180, as opposed to, for example, separate openings for separate sizes (see FIG. 5, for example).

In the embodiment of FIGS. 70A and 70B, the hinge 7160 is spaced from the top edge 7112 and the portion of the sidewall 7110 that forms the hinge 7160 provides additional structural support for the container 7100 and to bear a load, such as another container, that will be inserted into the first opening 7180 as described herein. The first terminus 7184 is preferably approximately 2.5 cm from the upper edge 7112, although other dimensions are possible. In addition, the outer edges of the first flap 7150 extend outwardly at an angle from the vertical. However, it will be appreciated that other flap configurations are possible. The variable contour opening 7180 can accommodate different sized soufflé cups, for example, as well as other containers for condiments or the like. The upper edges of the opening 7180 defined by the contoured lower edge of the second flap 7170 defined by surfaces 7184, 7188 and 7176, could have alternative designs and contours depending on the types of containers being accommodated, and such surfaces could have different shapes, dimensions and configurations.

FIGS. 71-73 illustrate yet another embodiment of a first container 7200 having a side wall 7210, an upper edge 7212, a lower edge 7214, an interior 7220, a base 7230, a first flap 7250 and hinge 7252, a second flap 7260 and hinge 7262, a second container 7270 disposed within a first opening 7254, and a third container 7280 disposed within a second opening 7264. Since the second and third containers 7270, 7280 are spaced from the lower edge 7214 and the base 7230 in the current embodiment, each container is retained against its respective hinge 7252, 7262 and is further supported by its respective flap 7250, 7260. A divider 7290 having a body 7292, engagement tabs 7294 and a finger grasp or handle 7296 is inserted into the first container 7200 through the engagement of the tabs 7294 with slots 7216 in the side wall 7210 to split the interior 7220 of the first container 7200 into one sub-interior 7222 effectively associated with the second container 7270 and one sub-interior 7224 effectively associated with the third container 7280 (see FIG. 72). For example, if the sub-interior 7222 is filled with french fries, the second container 7270 might be filled with ketchup, and if the sub-interior 7224 is filled with fried shrimp, the third container 7280 might be filled with tartar sauce, where each sauce is traditionally associated with its respective foodstuff. The divider body 7292 may be provided with advertising 7291 on one or both sides, and the bottom 7298 of the divider 7290 preferably extends to adjacent the base 7230 to prevent the intermingling of food items in each sub-interior 7222, 7224, if desired.

FIG. 74 illustrates yet an alternative embodiment of a first container 7300, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 71-73, but with a divider 7390 having two sets of engagement tabs 7394, 7395 that engage with two sets of slots 7316, 7317 in the side wall 7310 to provide for a stronger engagement of the divider 7390 with the container 7300. Of course, the divider 7290 of FIGS. 71-73 may be used with the container 7300 of FIG. 74, with the engagement of the divider tabs 7294 with slots 7316 and with the slots 7317 being left unoccupied. While FIGS. 71-74 show one or two sets of engagement tabs and slots having certain dimensions, shapes and relative configurations, it will be appreciated that any number of tabs and slots, or sets of tabs and slots, having any shape, dimension or configuration may be used as desired. For example, for carrying particularly heavy foodstuffs using the handle 7396, it may be desired to use the container 7300 of FIG. 74.

FIG. 75 illustrates yet an alternative embodiment of a first container 7400 including a divider 7490 having a body 7492, engagement tabs 7494 and a finger grasp or handle 7496, the body 7492 inserted into the first container 7400 through the engagement of the tabs 7494 with slots 7416. In this embodiment, the body 7492 only extends partly into the interior 7420 of the container 7400 and is primarily used for carrying the container 7300 since it does not extend far enough into the interior 7420 to effectively divide the same. However, even though the body 7492 is not as elongated as the body 7292 of FIGS. 71-74, the mere use of the divider 7490 may be sufficient to create the appearance of a divided interior 7420 such that a vendor would feel more comfortable filling the interior 7420 with more than one type of food product.

FIGS. 76A-76D illustrate yet another embodiment of a container 7600 comprising a side wall 7610, an interior 7620 and a base 7630, the side wall having a top edge 7612 and a bottom edge 7614. The side wall 7610 is at least partially separable, and preferably by a perforation 7640, to form at least a first flap 7650 movable relative to the side wall 7610 by a hinge 7660. The first flap 7650 is moveable from a first position 7652 flush with the side wall 7610 (FIG. 76A), to a second position 7654 extending away from the side wall 7610 (one embodiment shown FIG. 76B), along hinge 7660 that is spaced from the top edge 7612, which hinge 7660 is either manufactured into the side wall 7610 as a bend or crease line, or which is preferably created upon the initial bending of the first flap 7650 from the first position 7652 to the second position 7654. The first flap 7650 is either movable outwardly and away from the side wall 7610 of the container 7600 as shown in FIG. 76B, or inwardly toward the interior 7620 of the container (not shown).

A second flap 7670, which is more easily seen when the first flap 7650 is extended away from the side wall 7610 (FIG. 76B), extends in the direction of the base 7630 and preferably comprises a first side edge 7672, a second side edge 7674, a lowermost point 7676 that collectively define around a central portion 7678. As will be described in more detail below, a pushing force applied to the central portion 7678, while the first flap 7650 is in the first position 7652, separates the perforation 7640 and allows a user to substantially separate the first flap 7650 from the side wall 7610 and move the first flap 7650 from the first position 7652 to the second position 7654 along the hinge 7660. A first opening 7680 is defined in the side wall 7610 when the first flap 7650 is in the second position 7654, the first opening 7680 having a first portion 7682 extending upwardly from the hinge 7660 along the first side edge 7672 to a first terminus 7684 above the lowermost point 7676 of the second flap 7670, a second portion 7686 extending upwardly along the second side edge 7674 to a second terminus 7688 above the lowermost point 7676 of the second flap 7670, and a lower edge bounded by the side wall 7610 defining the hinge 7660.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 76A-76D, the first flap 7650 is substantially V-shaped, such that the first and second portions 7682, 7686 of the opening 7680 extend outwardly at an angle from the vertical, and the first terminus 7684 and second terminus 7688 are each defined at a point. However, it will be appreciated that other flap configurations are possible. In addition, the first opening 7680 and first flap 7650 are dimensioned to receive and attach a variety of containers of different sizes and shapes including, but not limited to, a three and one-quarter ounce round container 7800 as shown in FIG. 76C attached to the container 7600, and a two ounce round container 7825 as shown in FIG. 76D attached to container 7600. These dimensions are suited for a thirty-two ounce first container 7600, for example. Other sizes, shapes and dimensions of the container 7600 and/or attached containers 7800, 7825 are possible. In addition, non-circular attached containers may also be used including, but not limited to, rectangular container 7850 as shown in FIG. 78. Other container shapes, sizes, cross-sections and configurations may be used.

FIGS. 77A-77D illustrate yet another embodiment of a container 7700 comprising a side wall 7710, an interior 7720 and a base 7730, the side wall having a top edge 7712 and a bottom edge 7714. The side wall 7710 is at least partially separable, and preferably by a perforation 7740, to form at least a first flap 7750 movable relative to the side wall 7710 by a hinge 7760. The first flap 7750 is moveable from a first position 7752 flush with the side wall 7710 (FIG. 77A), to a second position 7754 extending away from the side wall 7710 (one embodiment shown FIG. 77B), along hinge 7760 that is spaced from the top edge 7712, which hinge 7760 is either manufactured into the side wall 7710 as a bend or crease line, or which is preferably created upon the initial bending of the first flap 7750 from the first position 7752 to the second position 7754. The first flap 7750 is either movable outwardly and away from the side wall 7710 of the container 7700 as shown in FIG. 77B, or inwardly toward the interior 7720 of the container (not shown).

A second flap 7770, which is more easily seen when the first flap 7750 is extended away from the side wall 7710 (FIG. 77B), extends in the direction of the base 7730 and preferably comprises a pair of first side edges 7772, a pair of second side edges 7774, a lowermost point 7776 that collectively define around a central portion 7778. As will be described in more detail below, a pushing force applied to the central portion 7778, while the first flap 7750 is in the first position 7752, separates the perforation 7740 and allows a user to substantially separate the first flap 7750 from the side wall 7710 and move the first flap 7750 from the first position 7752 to the second position 7754 along the hinge 7760. A first opening 7780 is defined in the side wall 7710 when the first flap 7750 is in the second position 7754, the first opening 7780 having a pair of first portions 7782 extending upwardly from the hinge 7760 to a first terminus 7784 above the lowermost point 7776 of the second flap 7770, a pair of second portions 7786 extending upwardly to a second terminus 7788 above the lowermost point 7776 of the second flap 7770, and a third portion 7789 extending between the hinge 7760 and the lowermost point 7776. Each of these portions defines a holding region for holding a second container of various dimensions, geometries, depths, circumferences, and so on. For example, first portions 7782 could accommodate a larger container 7800 (FIG. 77C) or a smaller container 7825 (FIG. 77D), while second portions 7786 could accommodate a smaller container such as rectangular container 7850 as shown in FIG. 77E, and third portion 7789 could accommodate an even smaller container (not shown). The variable contour of the first opening 7780 provides a user with flexibility and the ability to accommodate a variety of containers of different shapes and sizes in a single opening 7780, as opposed to, for example, separate openings for separate sizes (see FIG. 5, for example).

While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto. 

1. A container comprising: a) a side wall, an upper edge and a base defining a first interior; b) at least one opening in the side wall for receiving at least one additional container therein, the opening configured for seating the at least one additional container; and c) a divider insertable into the first interior for dividing the first interior into at least a plurality of sub-interiors.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the divider extends into the first interior to adjacent the base.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the divider extends only party into the first interior.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the side wall further comprises slots and the divider further comprises engagement tabs that extend into the slots.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the side wall further comprises slots near the upper edge and near the base and wherein the divider further comprises engagement tabs near the upper edge and near the base.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein the divider further comprises a finger grasp.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein the divider further comprises advertising.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein the side wall further comprises at least a first flap movable relative to the side wall by a first hinge, the first flap being moveable from a first position flush with the side wall to a second position extending away from the side wall, and the at least one opening being defined in the side wall when the first flap is in the second position.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the first hinge is spaced from the upper edge and is closer to the upper edge than the base.
 10. The container of claim 8, wherein the first flap is separable from the side wall by a perforation.
 11. The container of claim 1, further comprising two openings in the side wall, each for receiving one additional container therein.
 12. The container of claim 11, further comprising an additional container seated within each of the two openings.
 13. A container comprising: a) a side wall and a base; b) wherein the side wall further comprises at least a first flap movable relative to the side wall by a first hinge; c) the first flap being moveable from a first position flush with the side wall to a second position extending away from the side wall; d) a second flap extending in the direction of the base and comprising a contoured lowered edge including a lowermost edge; e) and a first opening defined in the side wall when the first flap is in the second position, the first opening having a plurality of portions of different heights defined between the first hinge and the contoured lower edge of the second flap.
 14. The container of claim 13, wherein the side wall has an upper edge and a lower edge and the first hinge is spaced from the upper edge and is closer to the upper edge than the lower edge.
 15. The container of claim 13, wherein a portion of the first flap is separable from the side wall by a perforation.
 16. The container of claim 13, wherein the contoured lower edge further comprises a plurality of elevations defined between an uppermost edge and the lowermost edge, and wherein the perforation extends to between the uppermost and lowermost edges.
 17. The container of claim 13, wherein the contoured lower edge further comprises a plurality of elevations defined between an uppermost point and the lowermost edge, and wherein the perforation extends to between the uppermost point and lowermost edge.
 18. A container comprising a side wall, a base, at least one opening formed in the side wall, and wherein a portion of the side wall extends into the opening to form a retainer that is adapted to retain a second container inserted into the opening. 